By
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday lifted restrictions on flights to Cuba that were put in place during the administration of former President Donald Trump, making it easier for Americans to travel to the island.
The restrictions had prevented US airlines and charter flights from traveling to other Cuban cities outside of Havana.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent a letter to the Department of Transportation on Tuesday asking it to lift the restrictions, which the agency did on Wednesday.
[The Biden administration relaxes the rules for sending remittances and traveling to Cuba, reversing a Trump policy]
Blinken said the opening of flights to Cuba was "in support of the Cuban people and the foreign policy interests of the United States."
He indicated that, once the Department of Transportation complied with his request, "scheduled and charter air services between airports in the United States and Cuba can resume immediately."
Airport workers greet JetBlue Flight 387, the first commercial flight between the United States and Cuba in more than half a century, holding an American flag, and a Cuban national flag, on the airport tarmac Wednesday, August 31, 2016. in Santa Clara, Cuba.Ramon Espinosa / AP
The administration of President Joe Biden announced last month that it would expand its flights to Cuba, take steps to relax restrictions on Americans who want to travel to the island, and remove limits on the amount of money immigrants can send to people in Cuba. the Caribbean country.
[“I want to start a normal life”: a Cuban crosses the Rio Grande with only one leg and portrays the drama of the exodus]
The government said it would also take steps to re-implement the Cuban Family Reunification Permit Program, which has a backlog of more than 20,000 applications, and increase consular services and visa processing.
"With these actions, we intend to support the aspirations of freedom and greater economic opportunities for Cubans, so that they can lead successful lives in their country," State Department spokesman Ned Price said last month.
